Delta Zeta: A Legacy of Sisterhood, Philanthropy, and Empowerment

Delta Zeta (ΔΖ), an international college sorority, has a rich history rooted in sisterhood, philanthropy, and empowerment. Founded on October 24, 1902, at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, the sorority has grown to encompass 163 collegiate chapters in the United States and Canada, along with over 180 alumnae chapters across Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This article explores the history, values, philanthropic endeavors, and notable members of Delta Zeta, with a special focus on the Pi Xi chapter and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The Founding and Early Years

In 1902, six women at Miami University sought to create a sisterhood that would foster personal growth, leadership, and service. They consulted university president Guy Potter Benton, a leader in the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, who guided them in establishing Delta Zeta, the first sorority at the campus. Benton assisted in preparing the sorority's ritual, badge, and colors and was named its Grand Patron for his contributions. The Delta Zeta Sorority was officially incorporated on October 24, 1902.

The symbols of Delta Zeta hold deep meaning. The new member pin is a black enamel diamond decorated with a Roman lamp in gold, with the Roman lamp serving as the sorority's symbol. The flower is the pink Killarney rose, and the stone is the diamond. The turtle serves as its mascot.

Expansion and Evolution

Throughout its history, Delta Zeta has expanded its reach by absorbing several smaller sororities and opening its first Canadian chapter in 1992. These mergers have enriched the sorority's diversity and strengthened its network of sisters.

Philanthropic Focus: Speech and Hearing

In 1954, Delta Zeta adopted speech and hearing as its philanthropic cause, demonstrating its commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others. The sorority partners with the Starkey Hearing Foundation and Gallaudet University to support this cause. The Delta Zeta Foundation, a not-for-profit entity, provides scholarships for members and funds leadership, philanthropy, and education programs.

The Pi Xi Chapter and Commitment to DEI

The Pi Xi chapter of Delta Zeta exemplifies the sorority's values through its dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The chapter actively supports and celebrates its members who identify as LGBTQ+.

As the Pi Xi chapter’s first DEI & Belonging Chairwoman, one member worked to provide her chapter with resources to educate themselves on what Pride means for their sisters and local communities, in addition to how they as Delta Zetas can be the best allies possible. They have focused on Pride in a few ways each year and try to engage their sisters with the many opportunities that they are lucky to have so close to their campus. The city of Orlando hosts Pride festivities in October, but there are many other ways they celebrate love for all during Pride Month! A local spot they always share or visit to support their LGBTQIA+ communities through thrifting and personal donations is Out of the Closet, a thrift shop benefiting sexual education and countless other LGBTQIA+ resources in the area. Some sisters during past Pride months have shared their book recommendations to better educate and connect with the queer experience and Pride’s history through literature. Reads for Pride Month this year are a book of essays titled, It Came from the Closet, edited by Joe Vallase and a novel, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune! While in the role, the chairwoman strived to share the many ways their Pi Xi chapter can grow as individuals and allies during Pride Month and every other day of the year, such as the various times they had UCF’s Lavender Council come present and discuss with their chapter what to know and learn to be a good ally. Throughout all her efforts she has always based what she provide and connect their sisterhood to through the endless ways their Delta Zeta values embody the meaning of Pride. Community, belonging, and empowerment are so evidently represented by the history of Pride and how it is celebrated today.

Values that Embody Pride

Delta Zeta values of community, belonging, and empowerment are evidently represented by the history of Pride and how it is celebrated today.

Notable Alumnae

Delta Zeta boasts a diverse array of accomplished alumnae who have made significant contributions in various fields:

Lisa Franchetti (Alpha Alpha): A former United States Navy admiral who served as the 33rd chief of naval operations from November 2, 2023, to February 21, 2025.
Edith Head: An Academy Award-winning costume designer.
Florence Henderson: An actress best known for her role as Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch.
Betty Crocker: Marjorie Husted, Home Economist at General Mills.
Gail Patrick: An actress and television producer.
Kay Yow: A basketball coach.

Controversy at DePauw University

In 2006, the Delta chapter of Delta Zeta at DePauw University faced controversy that garnered national attention. The New York Times published an article accusing the national office of moving certain members of the Delta chapter to alumnae status based on their perceived attractiveness. The Delta chapter, founded in 1909, was the sorority's second-oldest active chapter and its fourth-oldest chapter overall. Despite its long history at DePauw, the chapter struggled with declining membership and had acquired a negative reputation on campus. Ultimately, Delta chapter members voted to request Delta Zeta Sorority to close the chapter due to falling numbers and a lack of interest in recruitment. Delta Zeta Sorority arranged a chapter membership review and chapter reorganization rather than closing the chapter completely.

Alumnae Directory Project

Delta Zeta has partnered with PCI (Publishing Concepts) to produce a new alumnae directory. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, TX, that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years. Member privacy is held with the utmost importance to Delta Zeta, and PCI is committed to protecting information. The Delta Zeta Sorority Alumnae Directory is available for sale only to Delta Zeta Sorority alumnae. The total duration of the project from initial outreach to directory release is approximately 12 months.

Expansion at the University of Central Florida

While the provided text doesn't directly discuss Delta Zeta at UCF, it does mention the installation of the Zeta Omicron Chapter of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity at the University of Central Florida on November 23, 2024. It also mentions that April spent her first two years of school searching for the perfect sense of brotherhood she needed to fulfill her time spent at UCF. This suggests a vibrant Greek life community at UCF, which could provide a supportive environment for Delta Zeta.

Read also: Accessing Your MyDelta Dashboard

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